Beta-alanine and Elder Endurance

The Interactive Effects Of Beta-Alanine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Muscular Endurance in Older Adults

The purpose for this study is to determine if beta-alanine supplementation combined with endurance-based resistance training can increase gains in muscular endurance to a greater extent than endurance-based resistance-training alone in older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 60-90 years of age
• Living independently (not residing in an assisted living facility)
• Through testing are found not to have sarcopenia
• Gait speed > 1 m/s
• Skeletal Muscle Index > 37% in men and > 27.6 % in women
• Exclusion Criteria
• Responding with a "yes" to any question on the PAR-Q.
• Are currently pregnant, or plan to try and become pregnant during the study
• Functional impairments that could impede the person's ability to participate in a resistance training program
• Current or recent use of supplements (within the past 3 months for non-alanine containing supplements or one year for supplements containing beta-alanine). Individuals taking only basic multivitamins (without any herbal co-ingredients) may still be allowed to participate. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Are currently enrolled in a regular exercise program (more than once per week)
• Current or recent smoker
• Use of medication containing corticosteroids
• Mini-mental score of 21 or below
• Severe musculoskeletal impairment
• Uncontrolled chronic disease
• Major depression
• Severe vestibular problems

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adults unable to consent
• Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
• Pregnant women
• Prisoners